Ahead of the planned nationwide protest on June 12, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned the Nigeria Police Force against using force on peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed concern over reports that past peaceful protests across the country were violently disrupted by police operatives, often resulting in injuries and loss of life.
HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure his officers refrain from deploying lethal weapons against peaceful protesters, stressing that freedom of assembly is a constitutional right in a democratic society.
“Nigerians are preparing to participate in a nationwide peaceful protest on June 12 to demand good governance, accountability, an end to insecurity, police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the worsening economic crisis,” the statement read.
The group condemned the violent responses of armed police operatives to previous peaceful demonstrations, noting that such actions promote state-sponsored impunity. It added that officers responsible for past killings of protesters have not been held accountable.
“It is unacceptable that in a country that claims to practice constitutional democracy, peaceful protesters are treated like armed terrorists. The frequent killings of protesters, without consequences, suggest a disturbing level of impunity and abuse of power,” HURIWA stated.
The organisation decried the systematic disruption of protests, particularly in Abuja, where security forces have allegedly fired tear gas and live ammunition to prevent access to symbolic venues like the Eagle Square.
“Despite repeated use of force, protesters have consistently regrouped and continued their demonstrations, showing that violence has failed to suppress civil dissent. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must recognise the futility of using armed force to silence constitutionally guaranteed freedoms,” it said.
HURIWA reminded the government of Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
The group called on the President to issue clear and unambiguous directives to security agencies, urging them to adhere to rules of engagement and respect the rights of citizens to protest.
“We urge the President to instruct the security forces to cease further attacks on protesters and create a safe environment where citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation,” the statement concluded.
